For a brief description of
general psychiatric disorders please see below.
Dementia of the
Alzheimer’s Type
The onset of dementia related to Alzheimer’s Disease is gradual
with continuing cognitive decline. This diagnosis can only be made
when other possible causes for the dementia have been ruled out.
Some of the symptoms include confusion, forgetfulness, or trouble
with carrying out everyday tasks. These symptoms must be
disruptive to the individual’s functioning and are a significant
decline from previous level of functioning.
Subtypes include with early onset, meaning the dementia occurred
before age 65 and late onset suggesting the dementia occurred
after age 65. Other subtypes are without behavioral disturbance
and with behavioral disturbance. An example of behavioral
disturbance may be characterized by wandering, agitation,
aggression or auditory/visual hallucinations. These types of
behaviors usually pose problems for the caregivers/family members
and may warrant placement of the patient in a long-term care
facility
Anxiety
(Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive
anxiety and worry that is difficult to control and present most
days for at least 6 months. The anxiety and worry are associated
with at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness,
fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension,
or sleep disturbance. These symptoms disrupt the individual’s
daily functioning.
Anxiety (Panic Disorder)
Panic Disorder is the recurrence of unexpected Panic Attacks with
fear of having one again. Symptoms of panic attacks usually peak
within 10-15 minutes and may include the following: racing or
pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest
pain, nausea, feeling dizzy and, fear of dying or going crazy.
Bipolar Disorder
(Manic Depression)
Bipolar Disorder is characterized by one or more Manic/Mixed
Episode(s) and one or more Major Depressive Episode(s). Manic
Episodes are characterized by a distinct period of abnormally and
persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting at
least one week. During this period of mood disturbance at least 3,
4 if the mood is only irritable, symptoms have been present:
inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, talking so rapidly
that people have difficulty understanding you, racing thoughts,
easily distracted, increase in goal-directed activities,
involvement in activities that have a potential for painful
consequences. This mood disturbance is severe enough to cause
significant impairment in daily functioning.
A mixed episode is a period of time lasting for at least 1 week in
which the criteria for a Major Depressive Episode and a Mixed
Episode are both met. The individual experiences rapidly
alternating moods such as sadness, irritability , and euphoria
which are paired with symptoms of a Manic Episode (see above) and
symptoms of a Major Depressive Episode (see below).
Major Depressive Episode
A Major Depressive Episode is characterized by a number of
symptoms that have been present most of the day, nearly every day
for at least two weeks. Also the symptoms must be severe enough to
disrupt some or all areas of daily functioning.
At least one of the following two criteria must be met: sad or
depressed mood most of the day, nearly everyday or loss of
interest or pleasure in things previously enjoyed. Other symptoms
include changes in weight, changes in appetite, increased or
decreased sleep, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness,
excessive feelings of guilt, trouble concentrating, and even
thoughts of death. If you are someone else is exhibiting symptoms
of Major Depressive Disorder, it is important that professional
help is sought immediately.
Pathological Gambling
Pathological Gambling Disorder is characterized by persistent and
recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior that interferes with
social, occupational, or interpersonal functioning. Symptoms may
include: preoccupation with gambling, the need to gamble with
increased amounts of money, unsuccessful attempts to cut back,
returning the next day to “chase one’s losses”, lying to conceal
the extent of involvement, and committing illegal acts such as
writing “hot checks.”
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a thought disorder that is at least 6 months in
duration and includes one month of two or more of the following
symptoms: seeing or hearing things that aren’t actually present,
bizarre thoughts, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or
catatonic behavior. These symptoms cause significant impairment in
daily social or occupational functioning.
